DETROIT-Phoenix-based restaurant chain Kokopelli Sonoran Grill says it has entered into a franchise-development agreement with a Michigan-based developer/operator to open 12 Kokopelli Sonoran Grills in the state.

Kokopelli says there will eventually be 10 restaurants open in the Greater Detroit market as well as one each in East Lansing and Ann Arbor, near Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, respectively. The Greater Detroit locations will include restaurants in Plymouth, Livonia, Royal Oak, Novi, Sterling Heights, Rochester and others. The first locations have been chosen and the developer plans to open two to three Kokopelli Sonoran Grills per year.

Kokopelli was founded in Phoenix in 1997 and differentiates itself from other fast-casual chains by serving authentic, hand-blended Sonoran spices, made-to-order big burritos, tacos, fajitas and other Sonoran favorites on a dine-in and take-out service in high volume retail centers and other high traffic commercial locations throughout the US.

"As a former Michigander it is very exciting for me to see Kokopelli enter the Michigan market," says Ed Heisler, CEO of Franchise Capital Corp., who brokered the deal. "This latest sale of 12 franchises in Michigan reflects Kokopelli's goal to reach all the corners of the country."

Kokopelli did not identify the Michigan developer. To date, Kokopelli has sold 49 franchises from coast to coast. Heisler says additional franchise sale announcements are expected in the coming weeks.